Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more
balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge
information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal
growth, green living, creative expression and the products
and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

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24

by Debra Melani

Choices to Fit You Best

BOOSTERS
Daily Tips with Staying Power
by Kathleen Barnes

33 GROUNDED IN GRATITUDE
Embrace Every Gift Because
Each Blessing Counts
by Frank Jude Boccio

natural awakenings

November 2012

3

letterfrompublishers
Purpose may point you in the
right direction but it’s passion that
propels you.
~ Travis McAshan

T

his month’s issue theme of Passion
and Purpose aligns so well with our
family’s ongoing explorations that it makes
me chuckle. For several years now, I have
been privileged to devote my professional
life to publishing Natural Awakenings with
Kyle’s dedicated support. Still, we wish he
could commit more of his time to serving
our community in this way, in addition
to his other work. It’s a conundrum every
small business person and income earner
faces—how to transform your purpose and passions into a paying proposition
sufficient to meet your needs and knowing when the time is right to take the
next expansive step.

Committed to
Sustainability
Natural Awakenings
is locally owned and operated.

What comprises a purpose-driven life? Writer Lisa Marshall explores
what several observant experts have to share on the subject in our feature
article. Getting a handle on the passions that energize you to expand into
new adventures gets an assist with Janet Attwood’s Passion Test. This should
prove an interesting exercise in our house as we periodically assess the best
and happiest life balance for us individually and as a family.
We all make so many decisions as we continue along our journey and
each choice to greater or lesser extent requires a leap of faith. It’s good
to know that there’s no rush as we discern and grow into our purpose on
this planet. We can trust that we’ll know each next right step in any facet
of life when it presents itself. Sometimes you just do your heartfelt best
and trust that everything will work out. Even better news is that when
something feels divinely guided, it doesn’t feel like so much of a risk, and
the rewards are marvelous.
The magazine’s calendar year is planned months in advance, yet I’ll bet
that this month’s theme is particularly timely for many of our readers. We hope
it strikes you as a perfect reason to turn the page and read on. Whatever your
next step/decision/choice will be, please do it with gusto. As Ralph Waldo
Emerson once said, “Nothing great was every achieved without enthusiasm.”
Onward!

Amy and Kyle Hass
Natural Awakenings
is printed on 100% recycled
newsprint with soy based ink.

4

West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com

newsbriefs

Living Well Grand Rapids

L

2013 Annual Natural Living
Directory

W

e invite you to be
a part of Natural
Natural
Awakenings 4th Annual
FREE
Living
Natural Living Directory
Directory
for West Michigan,
2013
coming March 2013.
This special annual
directory of Natural
Awakenings magazine
will serve as a handy
reference guide for
consumers to keep at
their fingertips all year
long when searching
for the products and
services they want to
live a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.
This A to Z directory will feature a glossary to educate
our health conscious readers about the benefits of various
natural health modalities, sustainable practices and
more. Consumers trust Natural Awakenings information
and its featured advertisers because we offer refreshing
and educational editorial on natural health and green
living. Natural Awakenings also provides the resources
that support Health, Fitness, Sustainable Living, Personal
Growth and Creative Expression. This Directory is a must
for businesses that offer healthy products and/or sustainable
services. Don’t miss out on this important issue!
Natural Living Directory prices: $119.00 per category
listing includes 5 contact lines, a 35-word description and
a photo or logo. A second category is 50% off and a third
category is FREE. Early Registration Rates – $99 for the first
listing. Special pricing ends February 1st, 2013.
½ page and Full Page Ads are also available.
feel good • live simply • laugh more

West Michigan Edition | NaturalWestMichigan.com

1

Call Natural Awakenings at 616-656-9232 for details,
examples and to reserve your space in our Natural Living
Directory. Deadline to register is February 15th. See ad
page 39.

iving Well Grand Rapids, a
health and fitness show, will
be taking place January 11-12,
2013 at DeVos Place in Grand
Rapids. It is an opportunity for
the community to connect with
valuable resources, join in on
an exercise demonstration, try
some locally grown healthy food, visit vendor booths,
speak with a health counselor, take advantage of health
screenings or attend a seminar enhancing their journey to
a healthy balanced life.
Living Well is the act of balancing the pleasures of
life with the requirements. Exercise and rest together
in balance make a body strong. Personal responsibility
along, with medical intervention, aids physical healing.
Eating well balances nutrition, energy and pleasure. Living
Well is not just about any one of these components, but a
balance of all.
Vendor booth space is currently available. For more
information, visit www.LivingWellGR.com. Mention you
saw this ad in Natural Awakenings Magazine as we are
proud sponsors of this event. See ad page 8.

Annual Food Drive at Ottawa
Village Chiropractic

O

ttawa Village Chiropractic
in Holland, Michigan is
holding its annual food drive
starting November 1, 2012.
The leaves are changing and the days are getting
colder, which means winter is on its way. This can be
a difficult time for many members of our community.
Ottawa Village Chiropractic, in Holland, invites patients
and community members to drop off non-perishable
food items to donate to local families in need. Ottawa
Village Chiropractic will donate three food items for
every patient visit.
Please call OVC at 616-399-9420 or stop by at 451
Columbia Avenue, Holland for more information. See ad
page 23.

natural awakenings

November 2012

5

Intuitive Services now Offering
Classes Via Conference Call

K

athy Powell Reider, Intuitive
Services, now offers many of
her classes and workshops online
via conference call. While Reider
has done individual readings and
consultations over the phone for
years—and has traveled North
America as a presenter—she sees
this technology as a means to
reach more people in more places.
A new session of her threeKathy Powell Reider
month series, “Living as the Aware
Self” begins in January. Groups and businesses can also
request specific workshops in areas such as meditation
and intuitive development. In practice since 1981, Reider’s
intention is to move from an awakened state, allowing
grace to guide each person towards their highest potential.
For information, visit www.intuitivesvs.com or contact her
directly at 616-635-6029 or intuitivesvs@aol.com. See ad
page 14.

Second Annual Tellabration

Y

arnspinners of Muskegon will present their
Second Annual Tellabration, a storytelling
concert geared to adults and older children on
Friday, November 9, 2012 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.
The idea of Tellabration was started by the late
storyteller, Paw Paw Pinkerton. Figuring that there were
not enough storytelling events for adults, in 1988,
Pinkerton selected six locations in Connecticut where
stories would be told on the same date in November.
The idea caught on and today Tellabrations are held each
November in 140 countries and on all continents except
for Antarctica.
The presentation will be held at the Muskegon Museum of
Art at 296 W. Webster next to the Hackley Library. Tickets
are $5 at the door.

6

West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com

The Wellness
Forum Has
Moved

D

o you want to learn
how to incorporate a
whole plant-based diet into
your lifestyle? The Wellness
Forum can help. Offering
many opportunities to enhance your knowledge of a great
healthy lifestyle, for 16 years The Wellness Forum has been
helping people take control of their health.
The Wellness Forum has moved to a new location,
4990 Cascade Rd. Sue Scharf will be starting a new series
of Wellness 101 classes (both evening and day classes).
Please call 616-430-2291 for our new calendar of events.
See ad page 46.

Small Business Saturday

M

oondrop Herbals Cottage
of Natural Elements is
proud to join fellow small
businesses of Standale to
participate in Small Business
Saturday, a nationally
recognized movement to
promote local businesses.
Closet Case Resale and
Haiven Hair Salon will join Moondrop Herbals for ‘Sip-nShop’ on Saturday, November 24th from 3:00 -7:00 pm,
offering wine & tea tasting, a fun scavenger hunt between
shops (all within walking distance of one another), prizes,
and unique and affordable gifts for yourself and your loved
ones. Fill in your ‘hunt’ list as you shop for holiday gift
giving. Moondrop Herbals will offer natural bath, body,
and comfort products, organic teas, herbs and spices,
local jewelry and artwork. Haiven Hair Salon will offer
beauty tips and local crafts. Closet Case showcases original
vintage clothing, linens, collectables, and other unique
and creative gift-giving ideas.

Once your hunt is over, drop your completed sheet
off at Closet Case, where, at the end of the evening, gift
certificates and prizes will be drawn. A great way to
discover your local shops, tick off items on your gift list and
have a really great time.
Moondrop Herbals is located at 351 Cummings, NW, Grand
Rapids. See ad page 6 & 45. Closet Case is located at 4160
Lake Michigan Drive, Suite A, Grand Rapids. Haiven Salon
is located at 4160 Lake Michigan Drive, Suite C, Grand
Rapids. For more information, call Moondrop Herbals at
616-735-1285.

Forks Over Knives Cookbook by
Chef Del Sroufe

J

oin Chef Del Droufe on
Saturday November 10th at
Barnes & Noble in Woodland
Mall in Grand Rapids at 3:00
pm for a cooking demo and
book signing.
Chef Del has created an
extensive book of recipes that
appeals to a wide variety of
tastes and they are simple to
make with fresh ingredients.
Del is the best at creating
dishes that are not only
plant-based, but low fat
and oil-free. Most of his recipes are compliant with the
McDougall program and Dr. Esselstyn’s program and other
plant-based gurus who are achieving incredible results.
Del has also lost many pounds in the last few years and he
will also share his journey.
Event takes place at Barnes & Noble in Woodland Mall,
3195 28th St. SE Suite B116, Grand Rapids.

challenges of the eastern
and western health care
systems, with a goal of
integrating these two
approaches. A devotion
to patient-centered care
remains at the heart of
Holistic Care Approach
(HCA).
Dr. Heineman will
work “hand-in-glove”
with all of the holistic
health care offerings and
providers at HCA and
will offer her specific
Dr. Kate Heineman
expertise in osteopathic
manual manipulation – a unique skill and training with
less than 1% of the total D.O. population using it today.
In addition, Dr. Heineman will use labs, testing and
counseling to explore alternative solutions to acute and
chronic health issues.
Call Holistic Care Approach at (616) 361-9221 and register
for a tour and free lecture on Osteopathic Manipulative
Medicine given by Dr. Kate Heineman on Wednesday,
November 14, at 7:30 pm. See ad page 29.

Kudos

C

ongratulations,
Jaclyn Szelong on
completing your 200RYT
training. Thank you for all
you add to classes at On
The Path Yoga.
See ad page 16.

Holistic Care Approach
Welcomes Kate Heineman, D.O.

W

ith Dr. Kate Heineman joining Holistic Care
Approach, the 13-year old practice now offers a full
and complete array of holistic services and products, all in
one setting. Here, one can learn about the complexities and

hen scientific studies first provided evidence that
cranberries are a powerful agent in fighting urinary
tract infections (UTI), the supplement industry was fast to
react by putting cranberry pills and extracts on the market.
But are they as effective as drinking cranberry juice or
eating the sauce?
Recent analysis by Worcester Polytechnic Institute
offers answers. The researchers tested proanthocyanidins
(PAC), a group of flavonoids found in cranberries and
thought to be what gives the juice its infection-fighting properties,
offering hope that these could translate into an effective extract. However, the report concluded that cranberry juice itself is far better at preventing biofilm formation—the precursor of infection—than PACs alone.
The virulent form of E. coli bacteria that is the cause of most UTIs is covered
with small, hair-like projections, known as fimbriae, which act like hooks and
latch onto cells that line the urinary tract. When enough bacteria adhere to the
cells, they form a biofilm that leads to infection. Cranberry juice prevented the
bacteria from forming this biofilm, while PACs alone were not as effective.

Good Foods to Keep
the Brain Sharp

N

ew research reveals that diet may make a
difference in reducing the risk of developing
the most common form of dementia, known as
Alzheimer’s disease. A study published by the
American Academy of Neurology suggests that
eating foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, such
as fish, chicken, salad dressing and nuts, may be
related to lower blood levels of a problematic
protein called beta-amyloid associated with
Alzheimer’s and memory problems.
For the study, 1,219 people older than 65
and free of dementia provided information about
their diets for an average of 1.2 years before their
blood was tested for beta-amyloid. Researchers
looked specifically at 10 nutrients, including
saturated fatty acids; omega-3 and omega-6
polyunsaturated fatty acids; mono-unsaturated
fatty acids; vitamins E, C, B12 and D; beta-carotene; and folate. The scientists found that higher consumption of omega-3 fatty
acids corresponded to lower blood beta-amyloid levels.
Particularly, those consuming just one gram more than other study subjects’
average daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids experienced a 20 to 30 percent decrease in beta-amyloid levels in the blood. One gram of omega-3s can be obtained by eating half a salmon fillet, once a week. Other foods that contain healthy
omega-3s are flax seeds, almonds, walnuts and walnut oil, tuna and sardines and
in small amounts, vegetables like Brussels sprouts, kale, spinach and salad greens.

Shrimply
Alarming

S

hrimp cocktail is a popular
holiday appetizer, but may not
be the healthiest menu choice.
Researchers at Texas Tech University
have found evidence of antibiotics
in samples of farm-raised shrimp of
international origin imported onto
U.S. grocery shelves. The antibiotics
present included nitrofuranzone,
a probable human carcinogen.
Two samples of the seafood tested
in major cities contained levels of
nitrofuranzone that were 28 and
29 times higher than the amount
allowed by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration. Domestic shrimp
harvested from the Gulf of Mexico
also contained carcinogens and
toxicants, according to a recent
article by GreenMedInfo.com.
Equally unsettling, most farmraised shrimp is far from sustainable,
says Oregon researcher J. Boone
Kauffmann, who estimates that 50 to
60 percent of shrimp farms worldwide are built on cleared mangrove
areas. The shrimp produced from
these farms have a carbon footprint
up to 10 times higher than beef from
cows raised on cleared Amazon
rainforest areas.

natural awakenings

November 2012

9

Better Bones
for Kids with
Celiac Disease

C

eliac disease (CD) is an inherited
intestinal disorder characterized by
a lifelong intolerance to the ingestion
of gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye,
barley and other grains. Although it can
occur at any age, CD most commonly
afflicts children ages 9 to 24 months,
and one of its common complications
is metabolic bone disease. Reduced
bone mineral density can lead to the inability to develop optimal bone mass in
children and the loss of bone in adults,
increasing the risk of osteoporosis and
bone fractures.
A recent article in the journal
Nutrition Reviews stated that a glutenfree diet promotes a rapid increase
in bone mineral density and leads to
complete recovery of bone mineralization in children. If a CD diagnosis and
treatment is established before puberty,
children may attain normal peak bone
mass, which can prevent osteoporosis
in later life. Nutritional supplements of
calcium and vitamin D further appear
to increase the bone mineral density of
children and adolescents. A gluten-free
diet also improves, though rarely normalizes, bone mineral density in adults
with CD.
“Our findings reinforce the importance of a strict gluten-free diet, which
remains the only scientific proven
treatment for CD
to date,” the authors conclude.
“Early diagnosis
and therapy
are critical in
preventing CD
complications
like reduced bone
mineral density.”
Source: WileyBlackwell

10

West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com

The Other Problem
with Trans Fats

DIVINE GUIDANCE
for EVERYDAY LIVING

T

o keep the holidays merry, rather than moody,
check labels when stocking the pantry and avoid
products containing trans fatty acids, which not only
contribute to insulin resistance, inflammation and
heart disease, but also exacerbate mood swings.
After studying nearly 1,000 men and women of
all ages and ethnic backgrounds, researchers at
the University of California-San Diego School of
Medicine found that consumption of dietary trans
fatty acids (dTFA) was significantly associated with
greater aggression and irritability.
The study, led by Associate Professor Dr. Beatrice Golomb, provides the first
evidence linking dTFA with adverse behaviors, ranging from impatience to overt aggression. Analysis of participants’ baseline dietary information and behavioral assessments were adjusted for sex, age, education and use of alcohol or tobacco products.
The new finding strengthens health experts’ recommendations to avoid eating
products like margarines, shortenings and prepared foods that contain trans fats
and to steer clear of serving them in schools and other institutions.

A day of uplifting messages
and spiritual inspiration!

featuring Hay House author

Sonia Choquette

Source: PLoS One

Antibiotics Overused
for Sinus Infections

A

study by investigators at the Washington University School
of Medicine, in St. Louis, concludes that antibiotics typically
prescribed for sinus infections aren’t any more effective than inactive
placebos. “Patients don’t get better faster or have fewer symptoms
when they get antibiotics,” says Dr. Jay F. Piccirillo, a professor of
otolaryngology and the study’s senior author. He adds, “Our results
show that antibiotics aren’t necessary for a basic [acute] sinus
infection—most people get better on their own.” The researchers do
suggest treating symptoms such as pain, cough and congestion and carefully
watching to see if further treatment is necessary.

www.TheCopticCenter.org
or on
Facebook at The Coptic Center
616-531-1339

I

t’s official: Americans are eating more fresh foods
than they did five years ago. A recent survey of
800 U.S. adults by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
reports that more than 68 percent of respondents
say they eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables
than they did in 2007. Farmers’ markets and stands
attracted 70 percent of the survey participants, although
only 14 percent regularly shop at such venues. More good news: 64 percent
of the respondents agree that it’s very important that produce be grown in
an environmentally friendly way and also important that the fruits and veggies
be organic.
natural awakenings

November 2012

11

globalbriefs

Eco-Gyms

News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a
healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

A new crop of
environmentally conscious
gyms and fitness centers are
adopting practices to save energy by
adding electricity-generating workout
equipment and using other strategies
to reduce environmental impacts. It’s
known as the green gym movement,
which continues to grow and innovate.
The Los Angeles Times reports that
members of AC4 Fitness, in Goleta,
California, generate power and feed it
back to the grid every time they step
on a treadmill or elliptical. They also
bring their own refillable bottles and
have access to a hydration station that
provides free water, filtered by reverse
osmosis. Patrons can store their belongings in lockers made from recycled
plastic. The Greenasium Fitness Studio,
in Encinitas, California, sports floors
covered with mats made from recycled
tires, and their dumbbells are used and
refurbished.

No Rain

African Savannas Hold Clues
to Drought Relief
This year, much of the United States has experienced the most severe drought since the 1950s,
prompting governors to declare emergency conditions. There is no guarantee that the crisis will
be alleviated, but new research points to a way
that farmers may be better able to cope.
In the hotter, drier climate of the semiarid
African savanna, flowing between the Atlantic
Ocean and Red Sea, farmers have successfully fought back an expanding Sahara
Desert and turned once dry, uncultivated scrub into highly productive farmland.
The key to success is allowing trees to grow where they once cut them down, and
adopting agricultural techniques that take full advantage of scarce water resources.
Experts claim that today’s American farmers should recognize the benefits that
trees can bring to even the most arid plots of land. Chris Reij, a sustainable land
management specialist at Free University Amsterdam, who has worked in Africa
since 1978, observes, “Given the situation in the U.S. corn belt, these practices
might help farmers in Kansas and Iowa adapt to more extreme weather and help
make their crops more resistant to drought.”
Adding more trees, planted in rows between crops or bordering fields, could
provide many of the same benefits found in Africa: improved soil and water quality
and windbreaks that keep dry topsoil from going airborne. Fallen leaves and twigs
inject nutrients into the soil, reducing the need for expensive fertilizers that can
also pollute nearby streams or wells. Trees cool temperatures on a local scale, trap
carbon and clean the air. Their roots are natural filters between fields and waterways and can help keep soil moist. Plus, tree fruits and nuts provide food for farm
animals and wildlife. It’s an Early American agriculture tradition worth revisiting.
Find more information from the USDA National Agroforestry Center at nac.unl.edu.

Loving It

Fast Food that’s Good Food
Mike Roberts, once the president and CEO of McDonald’s, has cofounded Lyfe Kitchen, a restaurant chain that aims to serve healthy
food on a fast-food scale. The acronym Lyfe stands for Love Your
Food Everyday, and the food is made without butter, cream, white
sugar, white flour, high-fructose corn syrup, genetically modified
organisms (GMOs), trans fats or additives.
He foresees hundreds of the alternative bistros opening across
the country, all serving locally sourced, sustainable gourmet meals
with the efficiency and economy usually found in a fast-food chain.
With free-range chicken; burgers from grass-fed, humanely raised
cattle; roasted kabocha squash; beet and rice salad and Napa cabbage salad, costs are expected to be pricey at first, but decrease as
more locations are added.
Visit LyfeKitchen.com.
12

West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com

Workouts Feed the Grid

Veggie Feast

Meatless Traditions Replace
Turkey Day
Across America, millions of people will
celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving with
a new, more compassionate and life-affirming tradition that eschews killing and
eating animals. Citing factors that include torturous breeding and production
practices, health risks posed by additives
and adulteration, and the ethics of animal killing, Gentle Thanksgiving has become a Farm Animal Rights Movement
(FARM) annual campaign. Families are
encouraged to prepare a whole vegetarian or vegan meal to commemorate the
traditional occasion of communal sharing and abundance. Soy-based mock
turkeys are widely available, as well as a
cornucopia of meat-free recipes.
Visit Gentle
Thanksgiving.org.

Fact Quest

Students Thirst for
Eco-Knowledge
As part of its 25th Envirothon, a competition for students across the United
States to test their knowledge on environmental issues, a survey commissioned by Canon U.S.A. and conducted
online by Harris Interactive found that a
majority of 14-to-18-year-olds looking
for information about the environment seek it outside of the classroom. Data also
indicate that teens believe environmental issues will have an impact on their lives
in the future and want to know more about them.
With three-quarters feeling that school curricula are inadequate, two-thirds
of the students use TV as their primary information source. A majority of surveyed
teens ages 16 to 18 favor the Internet, print newspapers and other periodocals.
Seventy-five percent of all of the teens surveyed believe that humans have a
major impact on climate change. The top three environmental changes that they
fear will impact their quality of life are poor air quality (66 percent), global warming (61 percent) and poor solid waste management (59 percent). Other major areas
of concern are deforestation, water shortages and energy availability.
Students are also looking for ways they can help, such as recycling, conserving electricity and water, cleaning up public spaces, carpooling, bicycling and
using public transportation.
Get involved at EnviroThon.org.

Wishful Fishing

Derricks to Get a New Lease on Life
The U.S. Department of the Interior has rules governing
nonproducing ocean oil rigs: They must be torn down after
a certain period of time. What sounds like a sensible policy
to deter oil companies from abandoning idle rigs is now
being reconsidered as the growing depletion of natural
reefs may give them a new purpose as artificial reefs.
Below the surface at one 30-year-old rig in the Gulf
of Mexico, corals, sea fans and sponges cover a maze of
pipes. Schools of jack and snapper, solitary grouper and
barracuda circle in its shadows and eco-dive boats periodically stop at the enormous structure, where dolphins,
sea turtles and sharks are often spotted.
The New York Times reports that about 650 such oil
and gas industry relics, referred to as “idle iron”, would be demolished with large
amounts of explosives under the old rules, killing thousands of fish and other sea
creatures. Now the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is seeking recognition of offshore platforms as essential fish habitats. To ease liability concerns
and help insure and maintain structures to be spared such removal, John Hoffman,
chief executive of Black Elk Energy, an oil and gas company based in Houston,
Texas, has founded a nonprofit organization, Save the Blue.
To convert a platform into a reef, approval is required by the Interior Department’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. Under the federal
Rigs-to-Reefs program, a structure is only partially removed: cut off down to 85
feet below the water surface. Fish densities have been found to be 20 to 50 times
higher near converted rigs than in open water. Each platform typically supports
more than 10,000 fish.

Weather Watcher

New Supercomputer Predicts
Climate Changes
Yellowstone is one of the greatest natural treasures in the American West,
and there’s now a new environmental
“sheriff” in town. A supercomputer of
the same name is set to model future
climate changes and forecast extreme
weather like no other.
“It’s a big deal,” says climate
scientist Linda Mearns, Ph.D., of the
National Center for Atmospheric
Research, in Boulder, Colorado. The
Washington Post reports that Yellowstone will help researchers calculate
climate change on a regional, rather
than continental, scale. With a better
grasp of how warming may affect
local water resources, endangered
species and extreme winds, local and
state governments will be able to plan
more effectively.
The $30 million supercomputer,
funded by the National Science Foundation, will generate climate projections for seven-square-mile tracts,
instead of the previous capability
of 60-square-mile units. It will also
provide climate snapshots in intervals
of hours, rather than days.
Mathew Maltrud, of the Los
Alamos National Laboratory, in
New Mexico, says, “We’re moving
into a realm where we have models
that resemble the ocean, the atmosphere, the ice and the land to a
high degree.” Yellowstone will
show a more realistic interaction
of these components.

Top 10 Giving Tips for Maximum Impact
These guidelines from Charity
Navigator can help Natural
Awakenings readers make wise
decisions in donating dollars to
favorite eco-causes.

1 Be Proactive. First, take the time
to identify which environmental
results are most important to the
family and be specific about the
goals you expect via giving.

2 Engage in Dialogue. Before contributing to an organization, talk with staff to

Since 1981

learn about the group’s accomplishments, goals and challenges.

3 Confirm Nonprofit Status. Check to ensure that the recipient is registered as a public nonprofit charity [501(c) (3)]; this also qualifies donations as tax deductions.

4 Check for Commitment to Accountability and Transparency. Charities that

follow good governance and transparency practices are less likely to engage in
unethical or irresponsible activities and more likely to be making a measurable
difference. Even advocates of big-picture environmental causes will find ways to
quantify the quality of their contributions to planetary health.

5 Examine the Charity’s Financial Health. The financial health of any organization
is a strong indicator of its performance. The most efficient nonprofits invest 75 percent or more of their budgets on programs and services and less than 25 percent
on fundraising and administrative fees.

6 Review Executive Compensation. Even eco-charities need to pay their top lead-

ers a competitive salary in order to attract and retain the talent needed to run a
viable organization and produce results. But don’t just accept the CEO’s compensation at face value; compare it with counterparts in organizations of similar size,
mission and location.

7 Be Careful of Sound-Alike Names. Don’t be confused by a charity that purposely

Let your interior nurture you

chooses a name strikingly similar to a more reputable, well-known organization.

used for charitable telemarketing campaigns keep 25 to 95 cents of every dollar
they collect.

9 Concentrate Giving. Choose a few favorite causes to focus on. Spreading donations among multiple organizations can diminish the overall impact, because a
percentage of each gift immediately goes toward overhead.

10 Make a Long-Term Commitment. Wise donors support their favorite environmental and other charities over the long haul, because they understand success
requires a reliable pool of long-term, committed supporters.
CharityNavigator.com provides ratings and analysis of participating charities as a
public service.

NaturalWestMichigan.com

Jan Atwood – Atwood+

Community Spotlight
by Julie Hurley

J

an Atwood’s passion for alternative
medicine came from a strong desire
to remain healthy and strong throughout her life. In her
practice, she performs and teaches Reiki, as well as
CranioSacral Therapy with somato-emotional release, and
raindrop therapy.
Certified in teaching Reiki since 1997, Atwood’s interest
in energy began in the mid-90s when she experienced a
surge of unexplained (at the time) energy while praying
during an emotional crisis.
“I was emotionally upset, and I started to pray,” said
Atwood. “During those quiet moments, I felt like I got struck
by lightning. I immediately felt relaxed and open and found
the strength to pick up my life. That started me on a quest to
find out what ‘it’ was.” She began exploring quantum physics
and Deepak Chopra’s work, eventually realizing that the
“lightning” she experienced was some form of energy.
Shortly after this experience, Atwood began working at
Dominican Center at Marywood, where she was introduced
to someone who did Reiki. Atwood hadn’t heard of it before
and did some research. “That was it! That’s what I felt! Through
my thoughts or prayers, I linked up to the existing energy
source which opened the channels to allow it to flow through
me.” In 1999 she began teaching classes at Dominican Center
and later became the coordinator of bodywork services and
oversaw staff that worked in that department.
Atwood says that Reiki raises the vibration of the cells
in the body. Anytime that the vibration is higher, it will allow
people to heal at whatever level they need to heal. The Reiki
master or teacher does not hold any special powers or skills, but
the ability to use Reiki has been passed down by their master
through an attunement process. This creates a permanent link
between the individual and the Reiki source of energy.
“Reiki uses the universal life force energy that is always
present. The Reiki master does not possess any special skills;
we’re more like a vessel, creating a channel or connection
where the energy can flow through us,” said Atwood. “During
a Reiki session, many clients report feeling a warmth, tingling
or a rush or flow of energy go through them. Once everything
is open, this usually happens. They report feeling very calm,
relaxed and centered afterwards, but not groggy.”
Reiki and CranioSacral Therapy can help bring the
energy flow back through the body, addressing many different
physical ailments, including back and neck pain, muscle
strains, TMJ, sciatica and deep muscular tension. Atwood says
that it brings nourishment and circulation, which can help
the injury heal faster and many patients can find relief on the
first visit. However, she finds that most successful treatments
are progressive and suggests three visits a week apart. “We
need to re-set the body memory, otherwise it will default to
what it’s used to.” After the three visits, she reassesses the
client’s symptoms and they can determine together the next
steps until symptoms are relieved.

Atwood’s raindrop technique includes essential oils
to help relieve tensions, stress and toxins along the spine,
which can all cause extra inflammation and increase pain.
“Raindrop technique is very relaxing and soothing. During
the session, I also perform reflexology on the legs and feet,”
said Atwood. “The oils go into every cell of the body in 20
minutes, which provide a very powerful anti-inflammatory
reaction. It’s like house cleaning for the body and is a really
good boost for the immune system.”
Atwood has always been drawn to anything to do
with health and the body. As a newlywed, she said that she
bought a book on vitamins and minerals, and then planned
out meals based on the nutrition, ensuring that she and her
husband got the most nutrition out of their meals. She also
has always included some form of exercise as part of her
daily routine for most of her life. Atwood says that she always
tries the holistic or alternative approach to injury or disease
first. “I got into it wanting to help other people and myself.”
In 2009, Atwood resigned from the Dominican Center.
Around the same time her husband, a marriage and family
therapist and business consultant, had lost his partner to a
heart attack. Within two weeks of her resignation, Atwood
moved her business into the space they now share at 801
Broadway in Grand Rapids.
Part of what fulfills Atwood is the Spiritual Direction
that she sometimes includes with a treatment. “I find that
it’s sometimes appropriate to open up some dialogue with
people; there could be an emotional thing that people need
to deal with,” she said. “I start to ask them about it as I begin
the bodywork. When I get to a particular area that I can sense
something in, I ask ‘Are you feeling anything going on there?’
This opens up a dialogue for a conversation to take place.”
Atwood says that what she does is not really a job. “I love
what I do. This is my God-given mission and passion,” she
said. “I’ll continue doing what I’ve been doing, deepening my
learning and keep adding new things to my practice.”
Atwood has an upcoming Reiki training class on
November 9 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, which combines
Reiki Levels I and II. Students will receive a textbook and
handouts and will receive an attunement from Atwood.
Among learning hand positions, by the end of the class
students will learn everything they need to begin working on
themselves. Once they feel ready, they can start working with
others and even animals. The class is $225.
For more information contact Jan Atwood at 616-915-4144
or visit www.JanAtwood.com. 801 Broadway Ave NW, Suite
436 in Grand Rapids. See ad page 5.
A married mother of two young children, Julie Hurley is a
freelance writer with a strong interest in natural living. She
is also the Director of Public Relations at Principia Media, a
publishing house in Grand Rapids, www.PrincipiaMedia.com.
natural awakenings

here is ultimately no way to avoid being a consumer and unfortunately, we rarely
know the true motivation behind the businesses we interact with on a day-to-day
basis. However, we can be assured that there is a way to be responsible consumers
with a purpose. We can take hope in Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS), a
market segment focused on health and fitness, the environment, personal development,
sustainable living, and social justice. The consumers in this market segment or category
may very well be the future of progressive social, environmental and economic change in
this country if they step up and take advantage of the opportunities before them. According
to lohas.com, “Approximately 19% percent of the adults in the U.S., or 41 million people,
are currently considered LOHAS Consumers,” and, “The focus on personal development,
with the ultimate goal of achieving his or her full human potential, is of utmost concern
to the LOHAS consumer.”
Aside from the LOHAS consumer, the National Marketing Institute recognizes four
other types of market segments or categories, representing the different types of consumer
groups that we may find ourselves inadvertently falling into. The first option is called the
Naturalites. Closest to the LOHAS consumers, 24% of U.S. adults fall into this category,
and their belief systems are manifested in the ethical consumption of consumables, but
they are not highly driven to durables. The second option is the Conventionals. 22% of
adults are categorized here by their predisposition to various “practical” LOHAS products
and activities. The third option is Drifters, where 22% of U.S. adults are attitudinally
aligned with some dimensions of the LOHAS market but their behavior lags. This particular
segment is younger than the others previously mentioned but is quickly developing as
more financial barriers present themselves to these consumers. The last option is the
Unconcerned, or those distracted by other life activities. This segment represents 14% of
adults in the U.S.
We, as consumers, make decisions every day that put us into one of the five categories
described above. The constant bombarding we face of options in our personal health,
our sources of energy, our transportation, the products we use, etc. pushes us into a
consumer category that we will continue to resort to more often than not. This is where
LOHAS comes into play, “Educating and building communities around the central theme
of healthy and sustainable lifestyles for individuals and societies.” Though LOHAS focuses
primarily on the business aspect of consumers, it is also a call to us consumers to be the
“right type” of consumer. LOHAS values authenticity, transparency, honesty, integrity,
professionalism and love for mankind and the planet in the businesses they support, and
we should value the same.
LOHAS develops its courage to push boundaries and challenge conventional thought
on our future. Given the right opportunities, we are able to do the very same thing as
individual consumers. Lohas.com explains their mission to be “aspirational instead of
preachy”. As we make the right decisions in our everyday consumption, we are able
to be a testimony to those around us and encourage them to make the right decisions
as well. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the
world.” Therefore, we must aspire to push those boundaries and challenge conventional
thought on our future. We must aspire to seek out that healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
Most importantly, we must aspire to come together and promote those we share values
with in order to be the example of what we wish to see in the world.
At this point, it may be your time to reconsider your consumer habits and assess the
category that you currently fall into as well as your desired category. If not, take this as
an encouragement to you to consider seeking out those businesses that promote LOHAS
consumerism, because they are out there and they are just as passionate, if not more
passionate, about a healthy and sustainable lifestyle as you are. We have the opportunity
to be that future of progressive social, environmental and economic change in the U.S.
on a daily basis with every choice we make. We can be the change in the world that we
wish to see.
For more information, to view the LOHAS blog or business directory or to contact LOHAS,
visit www.lohas.com.
Amanda Merritt is the Assistant Publisher of Natural Awakenings of West Michigan. She is
currently finishing her final semester at Cornerstone University, studying Communication Arts
and Journalism/Public Relations. You can contact her at Mandi@NaturalWestMichigan.com.
natural awakenings

November 2012

17

healthykids
Staying Healthy Naturally

Top Cold and Flu
Fighters for Children
by Dr. Lauri Grossman

W

ith the onset of school,
parents are stocking up on
essentials, including at-home
remedies to help keep kids healthy this
winter. Natural Awakenings has compiled several leading experts’ best tips.

and Exotic Spices to Boost Health and
Beat Disease, by Dr. Bharat Aggarwal,
also a Ph.D. and researcher at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer
Center, in Houston.

Green and Yellow Produce

“Elderberry syrup is great for coughs,”
advises Lennihan. “A study done in
Israel showed that elderberry extract is
as effective against the flu as Tamiflu.”

Dr. James Balch, a leading natural health
expert, urologist and pioneering author
in healing nutrition, recommends menus
rich in colored fruits and vegetables filled
with carotenes. “These foods are potent
antioxidants, help with immune function
and are involved with the growth and
repair of tissues,” he writes. For picky
eaters, serve crispy carrot sticks, buttery
sweet potatoes and juicy apples.

Nuts and Seeds

Keep crunchy sunflower seeds within
easy reach. High in vitamin E, they
help children resist the flu and upper
respiratory infections. Brazil nuts are
good too, because they are high in
selenium that keep bacteria and viruses
from replicating.

Healing Herbs

Burke Lennihan, a registered nurse,
certified homeopath and author
of Your Natural Medicine Cabinet,
encourages parents to stock up on
garlic, ginger, turmeric and cayenne.
“There’s a reason why [these herbs]
are so popular worldwide,” she says,
“and it’s not just the flavor. They have
anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and
other medicinal properties that modern
science is just beginning to document.”
Another helpful resource is Healing Spices: How to Use 50 Everyday
18

West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com

Natural Cough Syrup

Fermented Cod Liver Oil

Dr. Deborah Gordon, of Ashland, Oregon (DrDeborahMD.com), recommends
that parents use supplements relied on as
basics in the home generations ago: “All
children benefit from fermented cod liver
oil.” Although it tastes bad, it’s one of the
most effective immune boosters available
in a safe and easily absorbable form.

Vitamin D

While protecting skin from direct sun
rays is an ongoing concern, current
research shows that many children are
deficient in the vitamin D sunshine
provides. Gordon advises parents, “Ask
your pediatrician to test your children to
determine if they need supplements.”

developing.” Two pellets, three times a
day, works well.
If parents miss the early signs of
an approaching cold, then arsenicum
album is the homeopathic medicine
needed. Lennihan holds that it’s the
most useful remedy when a child’s nose
is running incessantly. She attests that
allium cepa [common bulb onion] is a
good backup if a child has an itchy nose
or raw red skin under it. Both remedies
are best given in 30C potency, two to
three pellets three times a day for up to
three days, to see if symptoms subside.

Chiropractic Care

Dr. Joseph Passanante, a New York City
chiropractor, offers insights based on
immunology research that has demonstrated a link between the nervous sysPowerful Probiotics
tem and regulation of the immune funcIn Treatment Alternatives for Children,
tion. Thus he states, “By aligning the
Dr. Lawrence Rosen, who practices at
the Whole Child Center, in Oradell, New spine and removing nerve interference,
chiropractic care enhances immunity,
Jersey, notes: “By adding probiotics to
vitamin D supplementation, parents can so that good health is maintained.”
Receiving regular gentle adjustments
be even more certain to keep the flu
can help children ward off illness more
away from their children.”
effectively, and they will become more
limber from the treatments.
Homeopathy Help
Lennihan maintains that using homeopathy can stop a child’s nascent cold before Clean Water
it blossoms fully. “When your son shows Encourage children to wash their hands
regularly and drink plenty of fresh
signs of lower energy and just wants to
water. The Mayo Clinic, in Rochester,
lie on the couch, or your daughter has
Minnesota, advises drinking water,
a mild fever and says her throat is a bit
clear-broth soups or warm lemon water
scratchy, those are the times for ferwith honey to loosen congestion and
rum phosphoricum,” she says. “The 6x
prevent dehydration.
potency will keep the cold from ever

Over-the-counter, water-based
saline nasal drops and sprays also can
help combat stuffiness and congestion.
Plus, unlike nasal decongestants, they
are safe and non-irritating, according
to Mayo sources. They also note that a
saltwater gargle can relieve a sore or
scratchy throat.

Chicken Soup

Our grandmothers may have been even
smarter than we thought. Recent studies at
The Nebraska Medical Center, in Omaha,
illustrate that chicken soup relieves
colds in two ways. It acts as an antiinflammatory by inhibiting the cells that
add to inflammation and by speeding the
movement of mucus, reduces the time that
viruses are in contact with the nose.

Sound Sleep

Dr. Greg Meyer, a Phoenix, Arizona,
integrative physician, says the key for
parents is to make sure children don’t
overexert themselves when they are
sick. “Kids need to rest their bodies in
order to heal,” he advises. “An extra day
of rest can yield a more certain cure
and more reliable recovery.” At this
point, parents might need some, too. A
little tea party or some time cuddled up
with a good book might help the whole
family feel better.
Lauri Grossman, a doctor of chiropractic
and certified classical homeopath, practices in New York City, NY. Learn more at
amcofh.org and HomeopathyCafe.com.

ack Canfield is best
known as co-author of
The New York Times
number-one bestselling
Chicken Soup for the Soul
series, which has sold
more than 500 million
copies in 47 languages.
A featured teacher in the
films The Secret and Tapping the Source, he also
has been interviewed on
more than 1,000 radio
and TV segments. He currently serves
as CEO of The Canfield Training Group
and president and founder of the Transformational Leadership Council.

Even with a wealth of webinars,
teleclasses, workshops and
other tools advising everyone
how to live the life of their
dreams, why do so many still

20

West Michigan Edition

struggle to feel
successful?
Just having a map in your
hands doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean that
you will get to your destination. Understanding
your fears and limiting
beliefs does not necessarily give you the ability to
overcome them. Humans
also have built-in protective mechanisms that
often override their efforts
to achieve their goals in order to maintain the status quo.
While ideas presented in programs
and courses to help people achieve
success can inspire and motivate
positive change, many people get stuck
when they have to apply them. In the
past, many of the methods used to overcome obstacles to success have been
tedious and time consuming, requiring

NaturalWestMichigan.com

Why is it so challenging to
make the changes necessary
to succeed?
The mind is divided into two hemispheres. One is responsible for rational,
conscious thought and processes ideas
sequentially, using language. The other
is emotional, and processes ideas simultaneously, using pictures. The emotional, subconscious mind is far more
powerful than the rational, conscious
mind. It controls about 95 percent of
our thoughts and actions and is motivated by the pull of pleasurable rewards
and the push of negative emotions.
To understand the challenge of
change, think of the emotional mind
as an elephant and the rational mind
as the rider. As long as the elephant
doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a strong desire to move
in a particular direction, the rider can
control the elephant. However, if the
direction that the elephant wants to
go in is different than what the rider
has in mind, the chance of forcing the
elephant radically diminishes.
The reason that so many people fail
to achieve success is that the elephantine subconscious is innately averse to
the new action that needs to be taken.
To make tasks much easier, the elephant
must be motivated to move in a certain
direction or, at the very least, remain
neutral and not resist the rider.

By applying some newer, cutting-edge
tools that support change, such as tapping
points along the body’s energy meridians,
the approach used in the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), it is not only possible
to get the elephant to cease resisting, but
can also shave time off the journey to personal power and accomplishment. Tapping
can transform the beliefs and emotions that
cause self-doubt, self-sabotage, procrastination and other roadblocks. It is being
used around the world to help people
minimize or eliminate issues as varied as
fears, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, food cravings and chronic pain.

What do you consider ultimate
success?
Many people report that after applying my
64 recommended success principles, they
have achieved outstanding results in one
area of their life, although they didn’t meet
their expectations in another. Ultimate
success isn’t about having only financial
success, yet poor relationships; it’s about
having success in all areas of your life.
So, as practitioners like my co-author
Pamela Bruner, a business success coach
and EFT expert, teach the tapping technique, they verbally introduce a powerful
success principle and note the resistance
people might encounter when trying to
implement that principle. This can be
done in person or self-administered, as
demonstrated on the DVD included in our
book, Tapping Into Ultimate Success.

How can we support our goals in
everyday life?
I’ve learned that few people actually study
the principles of success as they relate to
life. In college or business school, students
are taught management skills that apply to
business, but not the skill sets or mindsets
needed for success in their personal lives.
Students in educational institutions of any
kind never learn that they control their life.
We all need to understand that the books
we read, the TV shows we watch and the
social environment we choose to immerse
ourselves in all either undermine our success or support it.
For more information, visit
JackCanfield.com.
Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for
Natural Awakenings magazine.
natural awakenings

November 2012

21

greenliving

House Happiness
Small, Green and Paid For
by Lindsey Blomberg

W

anda
Urbanska’s
dream
home is more
cottage than
castle. Despite
childhood yearnings for sprawling
digs with a lavish
pool, her concern
for the planet’s
welfare and a
practical approach
to finances has led her
to a radically different fantasy:
a home that is small, green and paid for.
Owning a smaller home is a
“triple hitter,” says the Harvard graduate and author of The Heart of Simple
Living: 7 Paths to a Better Life. “With
a smaller home, we can pay off the
mortgage quicker, use less furniture
and have less space to clean and
maintain, heat and cool.” Also, less
space effects less consumption—needed more than ever as dwellings have
increasingly turned into what Urbanska refers to as suffocating, “sinkholes
of stuff, clogging the flow of energy
and movement in our lives.”
She predicts, “Once we’ve purged
our systems of the excess, the focus will
be on creating lives that are dynamic
and streamlined, where the carbon
cost of a thing is weighed along with
its price tag, and where the focus is on
usability, rather than ownership.”
The rise of McMansions as part of
a runaway “bigger is better” mentality
saw the average American house size
surge from 983 square feet in 1950 to
2,521 square feet in 2007, reports the
National Association of Home Builders
(NAHB). Due to the 2008 recession,
many owners were left with upside22

West Michigan Edition

down mortgages, causing newer homes to be
more modest in size.
Like the notorious
sports utility vehicle (SUV) craze,
now faded due to
steep gas prices, the
McMansion trend is
quickly declining.
“Today’s entrylevel buyer seems
to prefer a far simpler
presentation than what had
been popular with their parents,”
observes Heather McCune, former editor-in-chief of Professional Builder and
Professional Remodeler. “I don’t think it
would be out of line to characterize it
as an anti-McMansion attitude.”
Real estate website Trulia.com recently
reported that slightly more than half
of Americans say that 1,400 to 2,600
square feet would be their ideal home
size. According to the NAHB, nine of
10 builders are planning or constructing smaller homes than in the past.
In 2010, the average new home size
dropped to 2,377 square feet and by
2015, the average newly built home is
predicted to measure just 2,140 square
feet. Even in more affluent areas, builders are beginning to construct model
homes that are one-third smaller than
what they were building just a few
years ago.
“‘Small is beautiful’ is back in
vogue,” remarks Andrew Gates, a Sotheby’s International Realty real estate
broker in Salisbury, Connecticut. “The
simplicity aesthetic is more prevalent
after what we’ve been through the past
few years.”
Savings accrued from the purchase
of a more sustainable, lower-impact

NaturalWestMichigan.com

home allows reasonable investments toward modern, energy-efficient upgrades
like bamboo flooring, water conservation and filtration devices and Energy
Star appliances. The National Association of Realtors’ 2010 Profile of Home
Buyers and Sellers found that nearly 90
percent of buyers considered heating
and cooling bills important, and more
than 70 percent wanted high-efficiency
appliances.
“As advocates of energy efficiency,
we have been encouraged by a change
in home buyers’ and homeowners’ attitudes toward energy efficiency,” says
Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, a nonprofit based
in Washington, D.C. With increased energy efficiency comes increased home
value; a recent study in The Appraisal
Journal indicates that the market value
of a home increases by $10 to $25 for
every dollar saved on annual fuel bills.
Coinciding with smaller single-family living quarters is a boom in multigenerational homes across the country.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data,
as of 2010, 4.4 million homes held three
generations or more under one roof, a
15 percent increase from 3.8 millionplus homes just two years earlier. In
multigenerational households, the need
for expensive daycare is lessened, while
grandparents and adult children can also
contribute to household income by paying rent. Urbanska, who resides in North
Carolina with her 90-year-old mother
and 15-year-old son, says, “I’ve been
able to save money on both child and
elder care while staying close to Mother
in her later years.”
The rapid turn toward both financially and environmentally smarter habits looks like it’s here to stay, concludes
Michelle Kaufmann, co-author of the
acclaimed Prefab Green and a Sausalito, California, architect of eco-friendly
homes. She says she is busier than ever,
because these concepts are resonating
widely. “It’s sad that it took a complete
economic meltdown for people to appreciate smaller homes,” she observes,
“but at least something good can come
from it.”
Lindsey Blomberg is a freelance writer
in Sarasota, FL.

Community Spotlight

A

s we seek to find additional ways to accomplish a
greener lifestyle, the homes that we build and live in
are no exception to the steps we can take toward achieving
this goal. Many are unaware of the options they have when
it comes to building a new home, which is what makes dlh
concepts, “a locally owned and operated business, specializing in building custom livable and affordable new homes
that are Energy Efficient and utilize green building practices,”
as Kyle Hass says, such a unique business.
“I sit down with my customers to find out how they use
their home or live in their home and exactly what types of
materials are important to them,” said Hass. This individualization helps dlh concepts to offer not just a square-foot
price to customers looking to build a new home, but a price
for exactly what the customers want. Building somebody’s
dream is what excites Hass the most about the industry. Hass
acknowledged that customers invest a lot of money into a
new home, so making sure you have that finished product
at the end that is exactly the way they want it and it is still a
healthy home is very important.
Hass has been in the building industry for 16 years. He
was drawn to this particular industry because of the hands
on aspect of it. Hass said, “I started from swinging a hammer
and went through selling building materials, to working for a
builder, estimating and purchasing for up to 200 homes per
year, and then building houses on my own after that.” He has
continued to rake in the hands on experience and pursued
further education through multiple trainings and hands on
workshops as well. Hass’ education on the Green related
aspect of his job is based on the knowledge of the products
used in the building process.
The concept of green building can be confusing to people
because it can apply to so many different techniques or materials. As Hass said, “There is no single characteristic or material
that categorizes a building as green. Many common building
materials either contain substances harmful to human health or
release such substances when they are manufactured.” Therefore, a large part of green building should be focused on finding

sp

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ec

:
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lo

by Amanda Merritt

natural or less harmful alternatives, such as formaldehyde free
plywood, natural fiber-based insulation as opposed to fiberglass,
or bamboo-based products in place of tropical hardwoods. dlh
concepts also utilizes many West Michigan businesses by using
products that are locally sourced.
Hass also said, “An important element of green building
centers on energy use, both in the manufacture of building
materials and in the lifespan of the building. That typically
means using better insulation, minimizing the amount of
materials used and choosing materials that utilize less energy
to produce and deliver the product.” An increased lifespan in
the building can save a lot of money in the long run.
Hass indicated that green building has become a specialty in the construction industry, however many traditional
builders might be surprised to learn that the best practices
they already use are actually considered green. For example,
using low to no VOC paint, proper installation of insulation
to prevent drafts and cold spots, installing flashing correctly around openings and penetrations, and implementing
moisture-management techniques all fall under the umbrella
of green building. These are just some basic examples of
best-use techniques that challenge the perception that green
building always costs more than traditional building.
Green building is incredibly important if we are truly
seeking to find additional ways to accomplish a greener lifestyle. We must consider the options we have in every situation, and dlh concepts is ready to assist in any home building
needs that may arise.
NAN members receive discounts with dlh concepts. For
a free, no obligation quote on your next home or project,
contact dlh concepts at 616-299-5815 or email dlhconcepts@gmail.com. See ads pages 31 & 45.
Amanda Merritt is the Assistant Publisher of Natural
Awakenings of West Michigan. She is currently finishing
her final semester at Cornerstone University, studying
Communication Arts and Journalism/Public Relations. You
can contact her at Mandi@NaturalWestMichigan.com.

nergy is a hot commodity today,
with online ads and storefront posters for so-called energy products
shouting, “Feel the rush,” “Revitalize
your mind,” and “Re-think the way you
re-energize.” People are reaching for
these artificial jolts in record numbers,
but many buzz-seekers don’t realize
they have free access to a much better
energy shot: exercise.
Experts across the board agree
that we would be wise to trade in our
lattes and high-calorie power bars for a
regular lunch-hour walk, because of the
many happier returns exercise provides.
One in four Americans experiences
energy-sapping fatigue at any given
time, according to Tim Puetz, Ph.D., of
the National Institutes of Health, who
has published studies on the exerciseenergy link. Although it’s a difficult response to measure, more than a dozen
studies from institutions such as Duke
University and The University of North
Carolina have shown that regular physical activity can reduce fatigue by about
40 percent, says Puetz.

“If exercise were a pill, it would be
like the magic pill of all time,” remarks
James Hill, Ph.D., executive director of
the University of Colorado’s Anschutz
Health and Wellness Center. Research
suggests that exercise enhances nearly
every system in the body, he says. “But
you have to walk on that treadmill; you
can’t just sit on it.”
Exercise burns calories, while energy drinks and snacks add them. Plus,
unlike caffeine and other stimulants,
exercise improves sleep (as long as it’s
not too close to bedtime), points out
Patrick O’Connor, Ph.D., co-director of
the Exercise Psychology Laboratory at
the University of Georgia, and Puetz’s
research partner. Periodic exercise can
prevent people, often fatigued because
of insufficient sleep, from falling into a
vicious cycle.
“When I roll out of bed in the
morning, I’m not reaching for a cup of
coffee,” Puetz says. “I’m reaching for
my sneakers. I do a morning run every
day and the days I don’t get it in, I can
feel the difference.”

A workout can boost mood, relieve
stress, improve cognitive function and
generate new connections in the brain,
all promoting a sense of energy, Hill
notes. Researchers believe that changes
in the brain are the most likely reason
for the exercise-energy link, according
to O’Connor.
A recent groundbreaking study led
by J. Mark Davis, Ph.D., director of the
Exercise Biochemistry Laboratory at the
University of South Carolina, found that
mice that exercised one hour a day for
eight weeks, versus mice that lounged
nearby, developed new brain mitochondria, considered the energy powerhouses of the cells (Journal of Applied
Physiology). Researchers knew from
human studies that exercise can boost
these mitochondria in the muscles, but
the brain connection had never been
shown. Davis speculates the increase
could play a role in boosting exercise
endurance by making the brain more
resistant to fatigue, plus help individuals feel more energetic.
Just getting the blood pumping with
a cardio blast can make people feel
more energized, Hill contends, because
blood supplies oxygen and nutrients that
generate fuel for the body. Regardless of
the energy connection, researchers note
that exercise improves overall health,
maintains healthy weight and reduces
risk of disease, making it an obvious
choice as a double-duty energy boost.
“What so many of us do is grasp

at things and try to make ourselves
feel better in the short-term,” Hill says.
“Regular exercise can make us feel better in the long term.”
“You don’t have to run a marathon,” Puetz adds. In fact, it’s best not
to overdo it, Puetz and O’Connor counsel. High-intensity workouts can drain
energy in the short-term, and serious
athletes that over-train can even end up
in a low-energy, depressed state, they
say. Their study published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics looked at
otherwise healthy, but fatigued, people,
finding that both low- and moderatelevel exercise produced a similar and
significant reduction in fatigue.
O’Connor offers a general recommendation, which varies with fitness
level, of walking, swimming or cycling
at least 10 minutes and up to an hour
most days of the week. Even taking two
or three 10-minute walks throughout
the workday will make an energy difference, Puetz advises.
“Anything’s better than nothing,”
he concludes. “The bottom line is: If
instead of reaching for that cup of coffee, you grab a pair of athletic shoes,
you are not only going to experience
the desired energy boost, you are going
to be living a healthier lifestyle.”
Freelance journalist Debra Melani
writes about health, medicine and
fitness from Lyons, CO. Connect at
DebraMelani.com or DMelani@msn.com.

How to Energize
Any Workout
Anthony Wall, director of professional education for the American
Council on Exercise, offers these tips.
Play music. An increasingly popular way for bumping up the energy
level of a workout is to listen to an
iPod loaded with a heart-pumping and self-motivating playlist.
Research by Costas Karageorghis,
Ph.D., of Brunel University, UK,
has shown that syncing the right
music with the right intensity level
for the individual can improve cardio performance by as much as 15
percent (Journal of Sport & Exercise
Psychology).
Hydrate. Drink water throughout
the day and during every workout
to maintain energy levels.
Sleep. Strive for a regular sleep
routine.
Motivate. Remember that the
reason for working out is not just
because, “I’m supposed to,” but
because, “I want more energy to
play with the kids,” or “I want to
feel good every day.”

natural awakenings

November 2012

25

sector jobs that feed their souls more
than their bank accounts. Off-the-clock
volunteerism is soaring. Due to working and earning less, people are also
consuming less, cooking, sewing and
gardening more, rediscovering forgotten
passions and relationships and finding
new ones in the process.
“When the economy tanked, it
prompted a real moment of spiritual
awakening for all of us,” observes Sue
Frederick, of Boulder, Colorado, a
nationally renowned career counselor
who also applies her intuitive skills in
helping clients like Readnower find
their muse. “We are no longer able to
hide out behind jobs and benefits that
might not have been a good fit for us
to begin with. People are remembering
their soul’s mission and waking up to
the true work they are intended to do.”
At the leading edge of the purposedriven career movement is the millennial generation, now in their 20s through

hree years ago, Cindy Readnower
felt as if work was swallowing
her life. As a single mom with
two sons to support and two franchise
restaurants to run in Sarasota, Florida,
she routinely would get up at 4 a.m. and
go to bed after midnight. She didn’t see
enough of her boys. “I never had a free
moment to just shut down and think
about what I really wanted,” she recalls.
Then the economy collapsed, forcing her to shutter her businesses, file for
bankruptcy and consult with a career
counselor to plan her next steps. Today,
at 57, she’s working as a life coach and
business consultant and as she sees it,
living the life she is meant to live.
“When you hit hard times and
say, ‘My worst fears have come true;
what am I going to do now?’ It makes
you realize you will only find true success when you follow your passion,”
she says.

26

West Michigan Edition

Readnower represents what some
see as the silver lining in these challenging economic times. At a time of high
unemployment, when some can’t find
a job and others are working grueling
hours to compensate for laid-off coworkers, many Americans are stepping
off the corporate hamster wheel and
sincerely asking themselves: “What is my
purpose here, and how can I realize it?”

Purpose Over Profits

According to a recent study by the
nonprofit Encore.org, which helps older
Americans pursue more meaningful careers, as many as 9 million people ages
44 to 70 have already transitioned into
encore careers that combine purpose,
passion and a paycheck. Another 31
million would like to.
Meanwhile, surveys show that
new college grads are increasingly
gravitating toward nonprofit and public

NaturalWestMichigan.com

early 30s. Having come of age amidst
the Enron Corporation scandal, 9/11,
Iraq and Afghanistan wars and the 2008
economic collapse, they’re graduating from college with a more holistic
perspective on what constitutes a good
career.
“The decade in which we have
matured has been turbulent in almost
every dimension,” says John Coleman,
31, a recent graduate of Harvard Business School and co-author of Passion
and Purpose: Stories from the Best and
Brightest Young Business Leaders. “This
generation is looking at a world that has
so many problems and saying, ‘The old
opportunities are not there anymore,
so we have to create new ones.’ Many
are actively seeking more meaning and
purpose at work.”
One 2010 survey of 500 MBA
students found that when considering a
long list of options for what they looked
for in a career, they ranked “intellectual
challenge” and “opportunity to impact
the world” as their first and third priorities, bracketing “compensation” which
ranked second.

Another analysis
has observed firsthand
It is not how
by The New York Times
how success often folmuch you do, lows, because, “When
found that in 2009, 11
percent more college
choose in favor of
but how much you
graduates worked for
the things that have the
nonprofits than in the pregreatest, deepest meaning
love you put
vious year. Accordingly,
for you, the universe supinto the doing, ports you more than if you
Coleman’s book is packed
with encouraging examthat matters. are just tepid and neutral
ples, from a Harvard MBA
about something.”
~ Mother Teresa
student and a U.S. Marine
For some, that has
that co-founded a nonmeant working fewer hours
profit addressing poverty
for less pay, in order to alin Kenya’s largest slum to a biomedical low more time for clarifying meditation,
engineering grad that launched a web- family dinners, volunteering at a local
based car-sharing service.
shelter, taking a long-yearned-for dance
This altruistic, purpose-driven
class or planning the next career shift. It
career track seems a stark departure
has also led to willing trade-offs in buyfrom that of the baby boomers, collecing less and doing more for oneself.
tively referred to as the “me” generation
According to the 2010 MetLife
for its materialistic ethos. Yet those that
Study of the American Dream, 77 perspecialize in helping people find more
cent of Americans now say that achievmeaningful lives say this group curing their big dream comprises improvrently counts among their best and most
ing the quality of their lives by strengthfocused customers.
ening personal relationships. As for
“We are at a time in the world
millennials, 39 percent say they already
when it is more socially acceptable
have what they need. Also, those that
to follow your passions,” says Janet
feel growing pressure to buy more and
Attwood, whose Passion Test workbetter material possessions has dropped
shops—established in 2004—are
from 66 percent in 2006 to well below
welcoming more people than ever. “In
half today.
my day, my dad was so freaked out I’d
“Plenty of people have already
end up homeless that he sent me to
started down this path. They’re growing
business school so I would learn how
vegetables, raising chickens and keeping
to type. Back then, parents never asked: bees. They’re building their own homes,
‘What turns you on?’”
often with the help of friends and neigh
That’s a shame, remarks Frederick,
bors,” writes Boston University Sociolbecause first hints at our purpose often
ogy Professor Juliet Schor, Ph.D.
bubble up in our youth. “I believe all of
In her groundbreaking book,
us know at some point what our gift is,
Plenitude: The New Economics of
but we often bury it and say, ‘I have to
True Wealth, she argues that contrary
fit in and get a job with benefits and a
to many economists’ assumptions, a
good paycheck.’” There is an alternative. shorter work week and smaller economy is better for society as a whole.
More, such a lifestyle, “allows people
Work and Consume Less,
to build stronger social connections,
Live More
maintain their physical and mental
Attwood stresses that living in line with
health and engage in activities that are
one’s passion isn’t just about work,
more creative and meaningful.”
noting, “It’s about your relationships
and friends, your spirituality and health,
what you consume and where you
choose to live…”
She asks clients to write down five
life-defining passions (see sidebar) and
use them as a guidepost. “Whenever
you are faced with a choice, a decision
or an opportunity, choose in favor of
your passion,” she counsels. Attwood

Any Example Proves
the Rule

Ever since childhood days of helping
her mother make clothing for the family, Juliette Bastian has had a passion
for fashion design. Her love of dancing
dates back to watching American Bandstand. But when it came to choosing a

Take the
Passion Test
Make a list of your passions; the 10
or 15 things most critical to your
happiness and well-being. Start each
entry with, “When my life is ideal, I
am … ” (living in a beautiful house
in the mountains, working in a job
that changes lives, spending plenty of
time with my children, etc.)
Don’t worry about how you’ll get
there. Just write it down. You become
whatever you are committed to.
“People often write down a passion,
but if they can’t immediately see
how they can manifest it, they erase
it and instead write something down
that they can easily put their arms
around. In other words, they play it
safe,” says Janet Attwood, co-author
of The Passion Test: The Effortless
Path to Discovering Your Life Purpose. Instead, think big.
Narrow the list to your top five
passions.
Write all five passions down on five
index cards.
Post passions in places you will
routinely see them, such as on the
bathroom mirror and refrigerator
door; display them prominently on
your computer.
Create a vision board (a collage of
representations of your passions). “It’s
an easy way to keep your attention
on the things you really want to grow
stronger in your life,” notes Attwood.
Use these priority passions as a
guidepost. “Whenever you are faced
with a choice, a decision or opportunity, choose in favor of your passions,” advises Attwood. Then run to
the goal with purpose in every step.
Take the test again every six months,
because passions can change and
evolve over time.

natural awakenings

November 2012

27

This is the true joy
of life—being used
up for a purpose
recognized by yourself
as a mighty one.
~ George Bernard Shaw

New Release
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Brings the Full Teachings &
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West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com

career, “There was always this trigger
that went off in my head that said, ‘You
need to make money,’” she explains.
By her mid-40s, this San Dimas,
California, resident boasted a six-figure
salary and a successful, but not terribly
fulfilling career doing accounting and
strategic business planning. To indulge
her creative side, she created colorful
spreadsheets, but it wasn’t enough. “At
one point, I acknowledged, ‘I am not
happy walking into work anymore,’”
recalls Bastian, now 52. “I felt like a
hamster on a wheel.”
Seven years ago, she walked out,
and with Attwood’s help, set out to find
her true callings. “People always think
you have to pick just one, but you have
passions that run across every aspect
of your life,” she says. “I now realize I
am a dancer, fashion designer, family
person and spiritual woman.”
Bastian begins each week by making a color-coded “strategic plan of action,” making sure to include elements
of each of her five passions: financial
freedom, exceptional relationships,
optimal health, successful business
ventures and an alliance with God. That
means she’s back in school studying
fashion design, and now makes time for
dancing, church, family and a part-time
career-coaching business.
She says that it has been financially rough at times. But the “sacrifices”—like fewer hair appointments,
fancy clothes, meals out and expensive
holiday gifts for friends—have been
well worth it. “I now have the flexibility, freedom and joy of knowing I am
living who Juliette truly is,” she says
with a smile. “I know I’ll be taken care
of as long as I honor what truly matters
to me.”
Lisa Marshall is a freelance writer
near Boulder, CO. Connect at
Lisa@LisaAnnMarshall.com.

Make Use of Health and Fitness Apps

by Julie Reynolds

If

you have a smart phone, iPod®, Kindle®, Nook®, or other similar device, chances are you are already aware of the
amount of applications or “apps” available to you. For those seeking to live a healthier life, there are numerous apps available to aid in your attempts, but it can be a little overwhelming to search for a new app when you have a specific need in
mind. Though all are relatively inexpensive and some are even free, many apps in the same category will have similar functions, but may vary in usability. Rather than downloading the first app you see, you may want to read up on a few to be sure
you are choosing the best one for you. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends which apps they favor for their health and/or fitness
needs and how those apps have worked for them.
As technology becomes a bigger part of our everyday lives, many of the apps out there can make the process of becoming healthier, maintaining healthy habits, tracking physical activity and monitoring physical functions for medical purposes
considerably easier. Listed below are a few popular apps for diet and exercise.
Calorie Counter & Diet Tracker (MyFitnessPal) is a very usable app that offers the ability to track what you eat, add in your
daily exercise and see automatically how many calories you are consuming in a day. If you have a bar code reader app on your
phone, you can even scan in the bar code on a product to automatically factor in that product’s nutritional information. FREE
Fooducate – Healthy Food Diet Nutrition Scanner (Fooducate, Ltd) helps users to shed pounds, understand what is being eaten
and shows ways to get healthier. This app will rate what you buy and offer other healthy options as alternatives. The iTunes app
description boasts that this app has “the largest database of UPCs.” This app has some interesting features that may be worth
looking into. FREE
Couch-to-5K (The Active Network, Inc.) is an app to help motivate people to exercise and prepare to be able to run a 5K. Choose
a virtual coach, listen to your favorite music and follow a mapped out schedule of a few 20-30 minute runs for nine weeks,
which will ultimately prepare you for a 5K run. $1.99
Nike Training Club (Nike Inc.) is a large app weighing in at 616 MB, but it offers a good service. This app boasts “85 custom-built
workouts.” It provides you with a virtual personal trainer, 130 exercise drills and the ability to unlock additional workouts from
celebrity athletes. You can select music from your personal library, earn rewards, set goals, track your progress and much more. FREE
MapMyRide GPS Cycling app (MapMyFitness) gives you voice prompts, updates on your bike rides, tracks your speed, distance,
calories, elevation and much more. As a bonus, there are no advertisements with this app. $2.99
Meal Snap – Calorie Counting Magic allows the user to take pictures of their food plates while the app analyses how many calories are in the meal and offers nutritional information about the meal. It also allows the user to track progress over time. $2.99
Apps can be money and time savers if you use them. Usually the apps that cost a small amount of money offer a more extensive list of features than the free ones, but sometimes the only difference between free and paid apps is the advertisements on
the free apps. If you can be disciplined to use the apps, you will be on your way to a healthier lifestyle and a happier, more
improved you. Embrace the new technology today – for your health!
Julie Reynolds is a contributing writer for Natural Awakenings. She lives in the Muskegon area with her family and also works as
a real estate agent and substitute teacher.

Don’t judge each day by
the harvest you reap but
by the seeds that you plant.
~ Robert Louis Stevenson
natural awakenings

November 2012

29

healingways

Powerful Energy
Boosters
Daily Tips with Staying Power

by Kathleen Barnes

Taking small breaks
from the workday can
help increase energy and
refocus attention on the
tasks at hand. Getting away
from the computer screen
to weed the garden for
10 minutes or taking a
quick turn around the
block can quickly reverse
an energy slump.

caffeine, but it has literally hundreds of
antioxidants, like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), that boost metabolism and
stoke the metabolic fires,” she says.
Plus, because most people have
less-than-perfect diets, certain supplements can help raise energy levels
and enhance overall health. Gerbstadt
recommends vitamin D for those that
don’t spend much time in the sun, to
enhance immune function; fish oil
for non-fish eaters for heart and brain
health; and all B-vitamins to support
everyone’s natural energy production.

Many Americans occasionally complain of having a lack of
energy, and for some it’s a daily experience. Low energy levels
can arise from a number of underlying factors, but poor diet
Manage Stress
and ongoing stress are the most likely culprits.
Eat Right

A consistently healthy diet can be the
missing key ingredient to maintaining
high energy in the long term, along
with avoiding short-term energy dips.
A diet featuring antioxidant-rich vegetables, healthy carbohydrates, low-fat
proteins and healthy fats will not only
keep energy levels high, it’s also essential to long-term health, according
to Dr. Christine Gerbstadt, a registered
dietitian and spokesperson for the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
“If you think of getting energy
from a cup of coffee or a candy bar,
understand that it’s just a quick boost
30

West Michigan Edition

that doesn’t last long,” advises Gerbstadt, author of The Doctor’s Detox
Diet. “The kind of energy you get from
complex carbs and whole grains will
stay with you.”
Adding a little protein, like a piece
of low-fat cheese or a dollop of peanut
butter on a whole grain cracker, will
keep energy steady for even longer,
starting with breakfast.
Gerbstadt further notes that a
mid-afternoon energy drop may be due
to a blood sugar dip. The carb/protein
plan also works well at these times, or
a cup of green tea might just hit the
spot. “Green tea does deliver some

NaturalWestMichigan.com

“Stress is one of the biggest energy zappers of physical, emotional and spiritual
energy,” says Jon Gordon, of Jacksonville, Florida, author of The Energy Bus
and consultant to Fortune 500 companies, sports teams, hospitals and schools
on the subject of staying positive.
Exercise, a widely acknowledged
energy booster, does double duty in
moderating stress, according to the
experts. Gordon’s prime recommendation for vanquishing it is a combination of exercise and emotional balancing: “You can’t be under stress and
thankful at the same time,” he says.
“So take a ‘thank-you’ walk every day
and get the benefits of the physical
exercise, as well as shifting emotions

to a more positive state.”
Dr. Judith Orloff, author of Positive
Energy, adds, “Walking meditations
are joyous exercises in mindfulness,
putting one foot in front of the other
and being in the now; set your critical
mind aside to be replenished by the
energy of the air, greenery and nature.
“I also practice this short meditation throughout the day to calm myself
and become more energized and clear,”
she says. “For just three minutes, I close
my eyes, focus on my breath and then
envision a positive image, such as the
night sky reflected in a body of water.
These mini-tune-ups get you back to
yourself, so you are centered and clear
to continue your day.”
Kathleen Barnes is the author of numerous natural health books, including The
Super Simple HCG Diet. Learn more at
KathleenBarnes.com.

Bonus
Energy
Boosts
In her book, Positive Energy, Dr.
Judith Orloff offers simple strategies
to help keep spirits high. The first is
to choose our friends wisely.
Most of us have encountered
someone that repeatedly drains our
energy and do well to recognize the
signs of an “emotional vampire”:
“Your eyelids get heavy and you feel
like taking a nap,” she says. “Draw
boundaries by learning that saying
‘No’ is a complete sentence.”
For friends and relatives that
always seem to be in the middle of
a crisis: Do not encourage a drama
king or queen by asking him or her
how they are, advises Orloff. To deal
with a chatterbox,“You must politely
interrupt, as hard as that skill may be
to learn.”
Finally, “Laughter gives a big energy boost, so be silly and have fun.”
Share a laughter break.

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Grounded in Gratitude
Embrace Every Gift Because
Each Blessing Counts
by Frank Jude Boccio

I

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616.656.9232
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n counting our daily blessings, we
find that even uneventful or difficult
days possess precious gifts. Consider
all the contributions that make it possible for family members to gather for
the holidays—the workers that helped
construct and maintain the vehicles that
brought us here, the house where we
come together and the trees that light
the fireplace. Consider the food that
nourishes us, thanks to the Sun’s energy,
Earth’s minerals and rain and the labor
of the farmers, processors, truckers,
retailers and cooks. Whether or not the
holidays fulfill our expectations, we
have much for which to be grateful.
As the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat
Hanh points out, every blessing is the
gift of the whole universe. When we
stop and really look, we see that we
are supported continuously in countless ways.
Author Roger L’Estrange noted in
the 17th century how humans tended
to “mistake the gratuitous blessings of
heaven for the fruits of our own industry.” We awaken when the alarm goes
off due to the skill of the technology’s
engineers, designers, assembly workers,
distributors and salespeople. We can
turn on the light because power company workers are supplying the electricity.
Our morning spiritual practice is the gift
of generations of teachers and writers
that observed the truth and shared what
they learned. It feels good to be bowled

over by each moment of grace and the
simplest act of kindness.
Such gratitude flows when we break
out of a petty point of view—with its selfcentered expectations and demands—to
appreciate that through the labors, intentions and existence of an inconceivably
large number of other people, life forms
and elements, we have been given the
miracle of life, with all its present goodness. This heightened awareness of our
connection spontaneously fills us with
a joy and gratitude that transforms our
experience. Thankfully, gratitude can be
cultivated. It simply takes practice in being present to what is being given.
It helps to remain aware of some of
the most pernicious obstacles to thankfulness, and one of the most obvious
is the failure to notice what we have,
including a roof over our head and
someone to love. As Joni Mitchell sang,
“You don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s
gone.” So the first step is to start paying
attention to gifts that have always been
there, but until now went unnoticed
and unappreciated.
We are rich in what counts and
never truly alone, because we are always
supported by the universe. The 13th-century mystic Meister Eckhart counseled, “If
the only prayer you said in your whole
life was, ‘Thank you,’ that would suffice.”
Frank Jude Boccio is the author of
Mindfulness Yoga (MindfulnessYoga.net).

natural awakenings

November 2012

33

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Holistic Care Approach - 15% off first visit for
NAET, first visit with Osteopathic Doctor, or first Facial Treatment (not applicable with other discounts).
Home Grown Hydroponix - 10% off entire bill
Hop Scotch Children’s Store - 15% off
One Item per visit

Visit www.NaturalAwakeningsNetwork.com to learn all the details aboutnatural
each of awakenings
these providers discounts
and
stipulations.
35
November
2012

Visit www.NaturalAwakeningsNetwork.com to see all the providers in your area.

R3 Station - $10 off 1 Hour Massage
Rehab Your Body - $33 per 40 min - 1 hr
Bodywork or Consultation
Sérendipité Organiques - 10% discount on all
retail purchases
Serendipity Wellness Coaching - 25% off
Shaklee: Connie Udell - 10% off for
non Shaklee members
Teri Genovese Photography - 15% off
Portrait Session or $50 off Baby’s
‘1st Year in Life’ Series
The Well Being, LLC - 50% off
initial consultation and 10% off returning visits
The Yoga Studio - 20% off a Series of Yoga
Classes for New Students and 10% off a Series of
Classes for Current Students

Warren Nutrition - 15% off Everything in the Store
and 20% Off every Tuesday

ZEELAND
Lakeshore Natural Skin Care - After initial service
at regular price, all additional services scheduled
the same day will receive a 20% discount. Discount
applies to services of equal or lesser price

WEB BASED
Bellaroma Boutique - Free Shipping with Purchase
of $25 or more
Hazelnut Kids - 10% off
Happy Bums - 10% off An Order $75.00 or More
From Anything On Our Website. Free Shipping
Infinite Healthcare Partners - 20% off

SOUTH HAVEN

Ladybug Baby Organics, LLC - 15% off anything
in the Store

Down to Earth Chiropractic - Time of svc: Adjustment $19, New Patient $89 incl 1st adjust, One
Hour Massage $49

WALKER
Holistic Health Options, G.R. - 15% off
Any Service
Walker Ice & Fitness Center - 5% off for all purchases in our Pro Shop of $15 or more; Purchase
an adult open skate get a Child/Student Skate
admission for FREE

Soles of Michigan - 15% off
Susan Pavlik - First 30 minutes at 50% off
The Lollipop King / Essante Organics - $29.95
member fee waived and 30% off all purchases
through www.essanteworldwide.com/lollipopking
Depsyl - Buy 2 Get 1 Free

This directory will be printed quarterly. New Providers
are added weekly and a current list will be posted on:
www.NaturalWestMichigan.com
To see a comprehensive list of all providers nationwide,
visit: www.NaturalAwakeningsNetwork.com
natural awakenings

November 2012

37

Visit www.NaturalAwakeningsNetwork.com to learn all the details about each of these provider’s discounts and stipulations.

Here’s what people are saying about Natural Awakenings’ Detoxified Iodine
“Since I started taking the detoxified iodine drops, I feel more naturally energized throughout the day. I’m
very glad I found this product!”
Rachael on 8/17/12
“I was going through fatigue for a while, and I thought if this product could do anything to help I’d try it.
Turns out I have so much more energy now, and my mood has stabilized as well. I haven’t lost weight,
but I wasn’t looking for a miracle. This product has helped greatly! Thank you.”
Amanda on 9/26/12
“I am very glad that I ordered the Iodine Supplement which came to my attention when I needed it
most. I am in my 80s and everyone will tell you that with age one has less energy. But now after I have
followed instructions and I’m finishing my third week, I certainly have more energy and all around feel
much better. I highly recommend this wonderful supplement!”
Irmgard on 10/2/12

For more information about advertising and how
you can participate, call 616-656-9232
natural awakenings

November 2012

39

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40

West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com

calendarofevents

group will accept new members in January. 616754-9672. Rockford.

Note: Visit www.NaturalWestMichigan.com for guidelines and to submit entries. All Calendar
events must be submitted online by the 15th of the month prior to publication.

How the Environment Affects Your Health- 10:00
am and 7:00 pm. Whether it be the food we eat,
the products we use, or the homes we live in, there
are small changes we can make to keep our family
and friends safe and healthy. 4990 Cascade Rd SE,
Grand Rapids.

Protecting Your Savings- 6:30 – 8:00 pm. Law
offices of Shawn Weera will present on how to
prepare caregivers for long-term care expenses,
Medicaid and Veterans benefits. Kentwood Public
Library, 4950 Breton, Kentwood. RSVP: 940-3370.
Be Profitable in Your Specialty Food Business6:30 – 8:30 pm. Come to a mini-conference at
Facility Kitchens, Sarah Rossell, accountant, will
present briefly on bookkeeping and taxes for the
specialty food business. Lance Raimer will tell
how to increase food sales with a good distributor.
Lowell. www.facilitykitchens.com
“The Uninvited”- 7:00 pm, November 8-10. The
MSHS Players present a play in three acts based
on the classic ghost story by Dorothy Macardle
at the MSHS Performing Arts Center. Tickets are
available at the door; adults $8; students $6. Mona
Shores HS, Muskegon.

Healing Herbs- 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Study a handful
of common herbs, their reputed uses through the
ages and how to turn that goodness into healing
ourselves. Herbal snack included along with a
recipe sheet. Pre-registration preferred, $10 due
upon sign-up to hold spot and for class materials.
$20. 616-920-0369. Grand Rapids.

Awakened Women’s Support Group- 6:00 – 8:30
pm. Have you noticed that you can have more
knowledge about personal/spiritual growth than
you know what to do with, but applying it in your
day-to-day challenges can be hard? The year-long

Earthen Dyes Fabric Painting - 2:00 - 3:30pm;
$10 members/ $12 non-members. Explore your
artistic side during this Art in the Woods program.
Explore how natural dyes are made and create fabric
art to take home with you. Appropriate for ages 7

Essential Oil Training- IV (Emotional Clearing)
10:00 am - Noon & V (Spiritual Journey Work)
Noon – 2:00 pm. Learn more benefits of these different sets of oils and how to apply them. $25 per class
includes class materials. Pre-registration required.
4 CE Hours. To register call Jodi at 616-443-4225.
Grand Rapids.
Listen to God’s Voice- 10:00 -11:00 am. Join the
monthly ECKANKAR Worship Service where
people of all faiths are invited to experience the
Light and Sound of God. Services are the second
Sunday of each month. Free. Dominican Center at
Marywood, Room 4, 2025 E Fulton, Grand Rapids,
616-245-7003, www.eck-mi.org.
Sojourners Movie “The Line” Viewing- 11:00
am. Viewing of film with discussion to follow. “The
Line” is a groundbreaking documentary chronicling
the new face of poverty in America. This free event
is open to the community and includes a light lunch.
RSVP to lynjameyson@gmail.com. 4301 Ambrose
Avenue NE, Grand Rapids.
Coping with Stress- 1:00 – 5:00pm. Join Carol
Hendershot for this afternoon workshop to experience the benefits of Mindfulness and learn tools to
help you manage stress and take charge of your own
health and well-being. Call Expressions of Grace
Yoga at 616-361-8580 for more info. $25 donation
suggested. Grand Rapids.

Monday, November 12

The Problem of Gluten- 11:00 am. Gluten sensitivity may be more common than people realize.
This 90-minute class is for people who want more
information or to get to the bottom of unexplained
health issues. Costs $30. Call 616-355-5333 for
more information. Held at the Holistic Nutrition
Center in Holland.
Nutrition Response Testing- 6:15 pm. Find and
correct the real source of chronic health issues
through Nutrition Response Testing. Learn how the
body can fully repair itself through designed clinical
nutrition and the high quality Whole Food supplements of Standard Process. 616-458-2348. Gaslight
Family Chiropractic, Grand Rapids.

Wednesday, November 14

Toxic Free Makeover- 11:15 am – 12:45 pm. Help
keep yourself and your family safe by learning to
decipher good from bad ingredients in makeup and
skin care products you all use daily. Receive 10%
off product coupon for attending. Registration required, call 616-419-8115. Sérendipité Organiques.
Grand Rapids.
Eckhart Tolle Meditation Group- 12:00 – 1:00 pm.
Take time out for peace in the middle of your week
with 20 min. of silent meditation followed by 30 min.
of an Eckhart Tolle DVD. This group, facilitated
by Patrick Duiven, is informal and newcomers are
welcome. Fountain Street Church, Grand Rapids.

42

West Michigan Edition

Baby Food Making Class- 6:00 pm. Learn to make
baby food from a nutritionist who loves to cook.
Know when baby is ready to start, how to spot
allergies, how much to feed and so on. Costs $30.
Call 616-355-5333 for more information. Held at
the Holistic Nutrition Center in Holland.
Kombucha Making- 6:15 – 7:30 pm. Learn to make
this nourishing digestive tonic. Includes all supplies
you need to make your own at home. Receive a 10%
off product coupon for attending! Reservation/payment required by 11/12. Sérendipité Organiques.
Grand Rapids. 616-419-8115.
Meet Dr. Kate Heineman- 7:30pm. Meet our new
Medical Director as she sets up her practice at HCA.
Free lecture, tour, and refreshments at Holistic Care
Approach, 3368 Beltine Ct NE, Grand Rapids.
616-361-9221.

Thursday, November 15

D.Ac.,MMT.,HHC. and approved by MMAA,
AMAM and AhS. Members will receive one credit.
616-920-0369. Grand Rapids.

PeaceLab Yoga Intro Class- 10:30 am– 12:30 pm.
A two hour class to help students new to yoga start
in a warm, welcoming environment. Receive two
weeks of unlimited yoga to get your practice started.
$39. Call 616-745-0310 for more info or to register,
or go to www.peacelabyoga.com. Grandville.

Awakened Potentials for Women- 6:00 – 6:45
pm. Designed to help women free their true spirit
by allowing themselves to be danced by world beat
music in safe environment. $10. Wealthy Theater
Dance Annex, 1110 Wealthy St., Grand Rapids.

Annual Thanksgiving Potluck- 6:00 – 8:00 pm.
Join us for a Thanksgiving meal. Please bring a
dish to pass along with your own plate and cutlery.
Meal is free, but we ask that you buy your drinks
from us. Perry’s Place, LLC, 90 N. Main St. Suite
B, Cedar Springs.
Living a Joy Filled Life- 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Workshop will discuss the different types of stress and
go over the different techniques to help bring
your life back into joy. Taught by Raymond Wan,

Blood Sugar, Brain Fog and Hormone Swings11:00 am. Learn what you can do in the kitchen
to control fatigue, overweight, cravings and unexplained health problems. Costs $30. Call 616-3555333 for more information. Held at the Holistic
Nutrition Center, 90 West 8th Street, Holland.
A Tellabration- 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Yarnspinners of
Muskegon will present their 2nd Annual Storytelling Concert. This oral storytelling event is geared
to adults but older, mature children will enjoy the
program. Tickets are $5 at the door. Museum of Art,
296 W. Webster, downtown Muskegon.

Tuesday, November 20

Kitch-Room Vegan Meals- Join us at a new restaurant for a delicious vegan meal. Chef/Owner
Aaron Burrows will prepare a meal with fresh, local
ingredients that will delight you. To make reservations, call 616-430-2291. Kitch-Room 6246 28th
St., Grand Rapids.

Wednesday, November 21

Awakened Women’s Support Group- 6:00 – 8:30
pm. Have you noticed that you can have more
knowledge about personal/spiritual growth than
you know what to do with, but applying it in your
day-to-day challenges can be hard? The year-long
group will accept new members in January. 616754-9672. Rockford.

Saturday, November 24

Therapy Dog Meet and Greet at Ottawa Village
Chiropractic- 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Grace Kelly,
OVC’s therapy dog, will be at the office. Please call
to reserve your time to meet Grace and Dr. Lynas,
D.C. Ottawa Village Chiropractic, 451 Columbia
Avenue, Holland. 616-399-9420.
Small Business Saturday- 3:00 – 7:00 pm. Sipn-Shop local, unique and earth friendly shops of
Standale and participate in Small Business Saturday. Wine tasting, prizes, great gifts to be found.
Call Moondrop Herbals at 616-735-1285 for more
information. Grand Rapids.

Sunday, November 25

Reiki Masters Class- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Heightens your ability as a practitioner and gives you the
ability to teach and pass on the gift of Reiki. $350
includes a textbook and certificate. $50 deposit
required upon registration. 8 CE Hours. Call 616443-4225 to register or heavenlyhealings@yahoo.
com. Grand Rapids.
Fun and creative movement for children- 2:00
– 3:00 pm. Kids need a break from the hustle and
bustle of the week as much as adults. Take time
away from screens and schoolwork by engaging in
a child-centered practice. $10. On the Path Yoga,
617 E. Savidge, Spring Lake.

Wednesday, November 28

Nature-based Spirituality- 6:15 – 7:30 pm. Learn
about many belief systems practiced around the
world, what they have in common, their influence
on modern spirituality, and ways to use these concepts to enhance your own spirituality. Sérendipité
Organiques, Grand Rapids. Attend to get 10%
off Sérendipité Organiques products! Registration
required, 616-419-8115.
Reiki Share- 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Come share & learn
about Reiki & Essential Oils. Open to all that care
to share Reiki, those who would like to try receiving Reiki, and those interested in Essential Oils.
No charge, donations welcome. Call or email with
questions, 616-443-4225 or heavenlyhealings@
yahoo.com. Grand Rapids.

Thursday, November 29

Alzheimer’s Association Open House- 1:00 – 3:00
pm. Stop in for refreshments, meet the staff, pick
up a goodie bag, register for a door prize and take
away helpful information on Alzheimer’s disease

classifieds
To place a Classified Listing:
Email listing to Publisher@
NaturalWestMichigan.com. Must be
received by the 15th of the month
prior to publication. $1.00 per word;
must be pre-paid.
CLASSES
Energy Healings and Training, Reiki & Urevia
Healings/Classes - held near Hastings at Subtle
Energies w/ Ken & Dana Gray. Learn a variety
of techniques that can heal your life. Reiki I &
Urevia Practitioner classes are eligible for NAN
20% discount. Visit www.reikiconnect.com for
more information.

Save The Date Events - Must be submitted online each month at NaturalWestMichigan.com. Events priced $80 or
above require a corresponding display ad.
There is a $45 charge per listing, up to
50 words. If you are a current advertiser,
distribution site or non-profit you July
use this listing in place of one of your
free listings for a $25 charge

Holistic & Green Business Owners Wanted for
Health Network - NAN, the Natural Awakenings
Network, is a green and healthy living network
that will allow members to enjoy discounts on
products & services focused on wellness, green/
sustainable living and healthy lifestyles. If you
are interested in becoming a provider (a business
or organization that offers discounts to members)
in this innovative network or want more details,
contact Natural Awakenings at 616-656-9232 or
Publisher@NaturalWestMichigan.com. Participating as a Provider is FREE for the 1st year.

savethedate
January 11-12, 2013
Living Well Grand Rapids- Friday 12:00-8:00
pm, Saturday 10:00 am-8:00 pm. A health and
fitness show where you can visit vendor booths,
join in an exercise demonstration, try some locally grown healthy food, speak with a health
counselor, take advantage of health screenings
or attend a seminar enhancing your journey to
a healthy balanced life. DeVos Place, Grand
Rapids. Visit www.LivingWellGR.com for
more information.

Cease to inquire
what the future has
in store, and take as
a gift whatever the
day brings forth.
~ Horace

ongoingevents
Note: Visit www.NaturalWestMichigan.com for guidelines and to submit entries.
Events must be re-submitted each month by the 15th of the month. Events subject to change, please call ahead.

All Month Long
The Caregiver Resource Network’s Family Caregiver Series- Featuring 22 complimentary events
throughout Kent County in November, this series
includes financial and legal topics, stress relief,
family portraits, holiday baking demonstrations
and more. For more information: www.caregiverresource.net or call the Area Agency on Aging of
Western Michigan at 456-5664.

Sweetwater Local Foods Market- 9:00 am-1:00
pm. Hackley Health at the Lakes building on Harvey
Street. We are indoors if the weather is bad. We are a
double up bucks and bridge card market. Hesperia.
231-861-2234.

Locally owned and operated.
Specializing in building quality
livable and affordable new homes
that are Energy Efficient and utilize
Green Building practices.
Unmatched efficiencies and
uncompromising quality. Call today
for a fee quote. See ad page 31.

Family owned and operated in the
heart of downtown Grandville,
Dynamic Family Chiropractic
focuses on lifestyle improvements
through living a maximized life.
A safe and natural approach to
health through the combination of
exercise, nutrition, detoxification
and chiropractic care.

cOUNSELING
THE WELL BEING LLC
Behavioral Health and
Fitness Center
616-458-6870
www.grwellbeing.com

We provide counseling
to individuals dealing
with mental and
emotional health
issues. We utilize
exercise as a research-based form of treatment, for
a more holistic approach to mental health care.

dentistry / holistic
DENTAL HEALTH
& WELLNESS CENTER

Dr. Kevin P. Flood DDS
616-974-4990
www.FloodTheDentist.com

cleaning pRoDucts
NATURAL HEALTH
4 TODAY, LLC

Clara VanderZouwen, NORWEX Consultant
616-698-6148
claravz@sbcglobal.net
www.NaturalHealth4Today.com
Imagine cleaning with only
water! Improve the quality of
your life with Norwex products
by radically reducing the use of
chemicals in personal care and
cleaning. Save Time & Money.

Hakomi Therapy can truly change
your life. It’s a mindfulnessbased, experiential therapy for
transforming the unconscious
patterns that keep you from the
love, joy, and fulfillment you
deserve. Offered with exquisite
care and attentiveness.

HeALTH EDUCATION

Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT
616-581-3885
www.WKHealthServices.com

THE WELLNESS FORUM

Matrix Energetics is a system
used to heal, transform and
create new possibilities in your
life. Using the principles of
quantum physics and subtle
e n e rg y d u r i n g a M a t r i x
Energetics session we are able
to enter into different realties
and download new possibilities
for your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual
selves. See ad page 21.

I am a Reiki Master that also does
Essential Oil therapies including
Raindrop Therapy, Emotional
Clearing and Spiritual Journey
work. Call or email for appointments
or questions, 616-443-4225 or
heavenlyhealings@yahoo.com. See
ad page 6.

Certified Life Coach
Certified Meditation Instructor
888-552-8880
steveguarino@att.net
Soar Higher Than You Ever
Thought Possible.
Personalized coaching
sessions that will connect you
with your inner wisdom and
light, open you to new
possibilities, and help you
realize your dreams.

This highly complex device is a
non-invasive technology that
energetically scans & harmonizes
the body’s stresses and imbalances,
reducing those imbalances that
make us uncomfortable. Visit
www.holisticenergytherapies.net

Practical Peace is a catalyst for
Spiritual Transformation. We offer
weekend classes to help you move
from ego-consciousness to
Spiritual Awareness to become a
more authentic “you”. For more
information contact Barbra at
barbra14peace@gmail.com.